Confidence is a wonderful thing when it comes to football. It can turn a player from almost being relegated to the VFL into a match-winner in a matter of weeks.
Essendon’s Jake Carlisle is coming off two dominant best-on-ground performances and his form is sending excitement through the rest of the competition.
Carlisle received specialist help from a person who knows a little something about playing quality football – the legendary Wayne Carey.
Essendon should send Carey a gift basket out of gratitude, because Carlisle’s recent performances have drawn comparisons to the great man himself.
And although no one would expect him to reach the lofty standards that Carey set, there is no doubting he has a tremendous amount of potential to become a quality forward for years to come.
His recent patch of form is making coach Mark Thompson look like a genius.
Despite the media and many Essendon supporters claiming Carlisle’s best position was in the backline, Thompson held firm and kept him forward.
A fortnight ago he annihilated Collingwood’s defence with 26 disposals, 19 marks and four goals.
Yesterday against the Western Bulldogs he bettered his performance with 22 touches, 12 marks and eight goals.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Carlisle’s game is his elite marking ability.
Against the Bulldogs he took ten marks inside the forward fifty, which is the highest tally ever recorded by Champion Data.
“Buckets” Carlisle reads the drop of the ball superbly and clunks at the ball with one grab.
His tackling pressure (he laid seven tackles against the Bulldogs) was also immense for a player of his size.
The key now, for Carlisle, is to continue this form for the rest of the season.
Twitter – @jclark182
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